A lockable pill container includes a holder defining at least one compartment having an access opening providing access to a pill holder interior volume. At least one lid is moveable between a covering position and an open position. The lid includes a first locking member that is sized to project into the holder when the respective lid is in the covering position. A second locking member is moveable between a locking position and a release position. The locking position includes a position in which the second locking member engages a first locking member of the at least one lid in the covering position. The release position includes a position in which the second locking member is disengaged from all of the first locking members. The second locking member includes opposite first and second ends. The second locking member is moveable from the locking position to the release position by application of a force against the second end. The second locking member is moveable from the release position to the locking position by application of a force against the first end. A visual indicator, such as color, can be used to help the user know when the container is locked or not locked. A tactile indicator can be used to help the user know when the container is locked or not locked.
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2. A method for using a pill container; the method comprising:
(a) providing a pill container having a holder with a plurality of individual compartments and lids moveable between covering positions and open positions; the lids each being selectively lockable in the covering position by a slidable lock bar having first and second opposite free ends; and
(b) visually detecting whether the lids in the covering position are locked or unlocked by looking for:
(i) a first color on the first free end of the lock bar; the first free end of the lock bar projecting from the holder when the lids in the covering position are unlocked; and
(ii) a second color, different from the first color, on the second free end of the lock bar; the second fee end of the lock bar projecting from the holder when the lids in the covering position are locked;
wherein if the first color is visually detected, the lids in the covering positions are unlocked, and if the second color is visually detected, the lids in the covering positions are locked.
1. A method for using a pill container; the method comprising:
(a) providing a container having:
a holder with:
a front wall;
a rear wall opposite of the front wall;
a first side wall extending between the front wall and rear wall;
a second side wall extending between the front wall and rear wall;
an access opening;
a bottom wall opposite of the access opening; and
a channel wall spaced from and adjacent to the front wall;
the holder defining a channel along the front wall, the channel being defined by the front wall, channel wall, and bottom wall;
the holder slidably holding a lock bar within the channel along the front wall; the lock bar having a hook-receiving recess; the lock bar having opposite first and second free ends;
at least one lid secured to the holder and having a projecting hook;
(b) pushing the second free end of a lock bar projecting from the holder to move the lock bar from locking engagement with the at least one lid of the pill container to unlock the at least one lid by freeing the projecting hook from being trapped by the hook receiving recess in the lock bar;
(c) moving the at least one lid from a position covering an interior volume of a compartment of the pill container to a position exposing the interior volume to allow access to the interior volume;
(d) moving the at least one lid from the position exposing the interior volume to the position covering the interior volume; and
(e) pushing the first end of the lock bar projecting from the pill container to move the lock bar into locking engagement with the at least one lid by trapping the hook in the hook receiving recess of the lock bar and lock the at least one lid in the position covering the interior volume of the compartment.
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This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 12/860,403, filed Aug. 20, 2010, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/194,808, filed Aug. 20, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,798,330, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
This disclosure relates generally to storage containers. In particular, this disclosure relates to a storage container for pills that is selectively lockable.
For persons who need to take medicine regularly, the need for a pill container that can be easily carried is important. A pill container that is easy to use, has sufficient capacity for the person's needs, and which can be conveniently carried by the user increases the likelihood that the user will take the correct medication at the correct time.
Some pill containers are provided with child restraints in the form of locking mechanisms. These features inhibit a child from being able to access the contents of a pill container. However, it is desirable that child restraints should not present increased difficulties for people with, for example, limited ability to use the pill container. That is, it is desirable that pill containers should not present a difficulty for people with limited dexterity or painful joints.
When traveling with pill containers, the jostling of luggage can sometimes cause pill containers to come open and spill the contents within the luggage. This is undesirable and inconvenient. Thus, lockable pill containers can be useful in a setting in which it is desired to prevent the containers from inadvertently opening.
Improvements in lockable pill containers are desirable.
In one aspect, a lockable pill container includes a holder defining at least one compartments, with the at least one compartments having an access opening providing access to a pill holder interior volume. At least one lid is provided. The at least one lid is moveable between a covering position and an open position. The at least one lid includes a first locking member that is sized to project into the holder when the lid is in the covering position. A second locking member is moveable between a locking position and a release position. The locking position includes a position in which the second locking member engages at least one first locking member of a lid in the covering position. The release position includes a position in which the second locking member is disengaged from all of the first locking members. The second locking member includes opposite first and second ends. The second locking member is moveable from the locking position to the release position by application of a force against the second end. The second locking member is moveable from the release position to the locking position by application of a force against the first end.
In another aspect, a lockable pill container includes a holder defining at least one compartments, with the at least one compartments having an access opening providing access to a pill-holder interior volume. At least one lid is provided. The at least one lid is moveable between a covering position and an open position. A means for locking and unlocking the at least one of the lid in covering position is provided. The means for locking and unlocking includes a slidable lock bar having first and second ends. The first end projects from the holder when the at least one lid is unlocked. The second end projects from the holder when the at least one lid is locked.
In another aspect, a method for using a pill container includes pushing a second end of a lock bar projecting from the pill container to move the lock bar from locking engagement with at least one lid of the pill container to unlock the at least one lid. Next, the method includes moving the at least one lid from a position covering an interior volume of a compartment of the pill container to a position exposing the interior volume to allow access to the interior volume. The method also includes moving the at least one lid from the position exposing the interior volume to the position covering the interior volume. The method also includes the step of pushing an opposite first end of the lock bar projecting from the pill container to move the lock bar to locking engagement with the at least one lid.
In accordance with principles of this disclosure, the pill container 20 includes a holder 22 defining at least one compartment 24. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the at least one compartment 24 comprises a plurality of separate compartments 24 (
The plurality of compartments 24 can include any number of compartments 24. In the particular embodiment illustrated, there are seven compartments 24. In this manner, each of the compartments 24 can represent one of the days of the week. Other embodiments can include more or fewer compartments 24, based on whatever is convenient for the user. For example, a single compartment 24 can utilize principles of this disclosure.
In accordance with principles of this disclosure, the lockable pill container 20 includes at least one lid 32. If the holder 22 has a single compartment 24, then a single lid 32 can be utilized. In addition, if there are a plurality of compartments 24, a single lid 32 can be used to cover all or only selected compartments 24. While these embodiments are envisioned, the particular embodiment illustrated shows a plurality of lids 32.
Preferably, each lid 32 is moveable between a covering position and an open position. The covering position, such as shown in
In the particular embodiment shown, there is one lid 32 for each compartment 24, but in other embodiments, there does not need to be a one-to-one correspondence of lids 32 and compartments 24; that is, there can be fewer lids 32 than compartments 24, or more lids 32 than compartments 24. In the embodiment shown, there are seven lids 32, one lid 32 for each of the seven compartments 24 illustrated. Of course, in other embodiments, there can be more or fewer lids 32 and more or fewer compartments.
In accordance with principles of this disclosure, the pill container 20 includes a means 34 (
Preferably, the means 34 is useable to be able to selectively lock and unlock all of the lids 32 in covering position or only one or some of the lids 32 in covering position. While a variety of implementations are contemplated, in the particular embodiment shown, the means 34 is illustrated as a slidable lock bar 36 (
In the embodiment shown, the slidable lock bar 36 is an elongate member 42 that has a first end 44 and an opposite second end 46. The first end 44 projects from the holder 22 when the lids 32 are unlocked. The second end 46 projects from the holder 22 when at least one of the lids 32 is locked, assuming at least one of the lids 32 is also in the covering position. Note that it is possible to move the slidable lock bar so that the second end 46 projects from the holder 22 and still have one or more of the lids 32 in an unlocked position, if the one or more lids 32 are in an open position versus the covering position.
In reference now to
Still in reference to
In
In reference now to
In operation, when one of the lids 32 is in covering position, such as
As can be appreciated by viewing
In reference again to
Preferably, each of the lids 32 can be snapped into the covering position. The snapped position keeps the lid 32 in the closed position, but it is not necessarily in the locked position unless the lock bar 36 is moved to the locking position. While a variety of ways can be used to keep the lid 32 snapped into the covering position, in the embodiment shown, the front wall 70 includes pockets 84 (
In the embodiment shown, the holder 22 further defines an elongate channel 88 (
Still in reference to
In
In
In the embodiment illustrated, the first end 44 of the second locking member 38 projects from the first holder end 94 when the second locking member 38 is in the release position. In the embodiment illustrated, the second end 46 of the second locking member 38 projects from the second holder end 100 when the second locking member 38 is in the locking position. Preferably, when the second locking member 38 is in the locking position, the first end 94 of the second locking member 38 is either even with or recessed within the holder 22.
Preferably, when the second locking member 38 is in the release position, the second end 46 of the second locking member 38 is even with or recessed within the holder 22. In
In accordance with principles of this disclosure, the lockable pill container further includes a visual indicator 110 to provide information whether the second locking member 38 is in the locking position or the release position. While a variety of embodiments are contemplated, in the particular embodiment illustrated, the visual indicator 110 includes a first color being visible when the second locking member 38 is in the release position and a second color, different from the first color, that is visible when the second locking member 38 is in the locking position. In the particular embodiment shown, the first end 44 of the second locking member 38 is the first color, while the second end 46 of the second locking member 38 is the second color.
In one implementation, the first color is green, while the second color is red. As such, when the second locking member 38 is in the release position, the first end 44 of the lock bar 36 will be extending from the first holder end 94. When this is the situation, a green color will be visible, because the green first end 44 will be extending from the first holder end 94. As green is used universally to mean “go”, it will visually indicate to the user that the lids 32 are not locked; that is, that the lids 32 can be moved from the covering position to the open position.
When the lock bar 36 is in the locked position, the second end 46 extends or projects from the second holder end 100. When this is the situation, a red projection is visible. Red is a universal symbol of stop. This will indicate to the user that the lids 32 in the covering position are also locked in its covering position.
In some implementations, the first side wall 74 and the second side wall 76 will also include symbols or writing to communicate to the user operating instructions. For example, in
In reference now to
In this embodiment, each lid 32 defines an exterior surface 116. The exterior surface 116 does not face the interior volume 30, but rather is open to the outer atmosphere. In this embodiment, the exterior surface 116 carries information 118 to help organize compartments 24. This embodiment of information 118 shows the days of the week, with a different day of the week written on each respective one of the lids 32. Braille lettering or words is shown at 120 to communicate with those users that are visually impaired.
Each of the lids 32, in this embodiment, further includes a projecting lip 122 projecting from a front surface 124 thereof. The lip 122 can be grasped by the user, such as the user's thumb, in order to unsnap and move the lid 32 from the covering position (
As described previously, in this embodiment, each of the lids 32 has a respective hook 62 in the form of a leg 126 and horizontal part 66 or foot 67. In this embodiment, each hook 62 is positioned adjacent to the front surface 124 and in a location to operably interact with the slidable lock bar 36. Also in
Preferably, the hooks 62 and the notches 52 in the top surface 48 of the lock bar 36 are constructed and arranged such that if the lock bar 36 is positioned within the locking position and with at least one of the lids 32 in an open position, when the lid 32 is moved from the open position to the covering position, a ramped surface 128 (
A method for using the pill container 20 comprises pushing the second end 46 of the lock bar 36 projecting from the pill container 20 to move the lock bar 36 from locking engagement with at least one lid 32 to unlock the at least one lid. For example, this can be done by visually detecting the fact that the pill container 20 is in the locked position by spotting the red second end 46 protruding from the second holder end 100. The user then can apply a pushing force against the second end 46, which slides the lock bar 36 within the channel 88. This pushing action frees the hook 62, by freeing the foot 67 from a position behind the catch 56 of a respective one of the notches 52.
Next, there is a step of moving the lid 32 from a position covering the interior volume 30 of the compartment 24 to a position exposing the interior volume 30 to allow access to the interior volume 30. This can be done by grasping the lip 122 and applying a pulling force to move the tabs 86 from respective pockets 84 and then allowing the lid 32 to rotate about living hinge 114. The interior volume 30 can then be accessed, such as by grasping pills within the interior volume 30.
Next, the lid 32 can be moved from the open position exposing the interior volume 30 to the covering position covering the interior volume 30. This can be done by rotating the lid 32 about the living hinge 114 and snapping the lid 32 in place and covering relation. The snapping can be done by ensuring that the tabs 86 are received within the pockets 84. When this is done, the hook 62 of the lid 32 extends into the notch 52 and then into the cavity 54.
Next, the opposite first end 44 of the lock bar 36 projecting from the pill container 20 can be pushed to move the lock bar 36 into locking engagement with the lid 32. This can be done by visually detecting the projecting green color of the first end 44 of the lock bar 36. The projecting first end 44 can then be pushed, which pushes the lock bar 36 to slide within the channel 88. When this is done, a respective one of the catches 56 slides over the foot of the hook 62 to trap the foot 67 behind the catch 56. This will lock the lid 32 into its covering position.
The pill container 20 can be made from a variety of materials. In preferred implementations, the container 20 and the lock bar 36 are manufactured using plastic injection molding using material such as polyethylene.
A variety of sizes are usable, depending upon the particular implementation. In one example, the width across each compartment 24 ranges from 0.75 inch-1.5 inch, for example, about 1 inch. The length across each compartment from the rear wall 72 to the channel wall 50 ranges from 0.75 inch-1.75 inch, for example, about 1.25 inch. The depth of each compartment from the bottom wall 78 to the lid 32 ranges from 0.5 inch-1.5 inch, for example, about 0.75 inch. In one example, the overall length of the pill container 20 between first and second ends 94, 100 ranges from 6 inches-10 inches, for example, about 6.5 inches. The width of the pill container between the front wall 70 and bottom wall 78 ranges between 1.25 inch and 2.5, for example about 1⅝ inch.
While this embodiment shows seven compartments 24, it should be understood that there can be more or fewer compartments. For example, an array of compartments 24 can be used, with a lock bar 36 usable for each row in the array.
Various modifications as well as numerous structures to which this disclosure may be applicable will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Many embodiments can be made applying principles as taught herein.
Priebe, Robert N., Noble, Terrance O.
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Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
Aug 29 2011 | Apothecary Products, Inc. | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
Feb 28 2014 | APOTHECARY PRODUCTS, INC | Apothecary Products, LLC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 032378 | /0572 | |
Feb 28 2014 | Apothecary Products, LLC | GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT | SECURITY AGREEMENT | 032384 | /0460 | |
Aug 21 2015 | General Electric Capital Corporation | Antares Capital LP | ASSIGNMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROEPRTY SECURITY AGREEMENT | 036776 | /0911 |
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